Stile-extension clamp for ladders.



F. G. WATSON. SULE EXTENSION CLAMP FOR LADDERS. APPLICATlON FILED APR.24.1911.

Patented Jan. 7, 1919.

aw mantel FRANK G. WATSON, OF WEBSTER, YORK.

STILE-EXTENSION CLAMP FOR; LADDERS.

ders and the invention has more especial reference to an improved stile extension stile and extension of the taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2.

clamp therefor.

The dominant object of the invention is to provide a clamp for securing a stile extension leg in position upon its respective stile in order that the ladder can be properly set up on uneven or irregular surfaces without liability of falling when in use.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a clamp of the character mentioned which can be readily used upon either of the stiles of the ladder for securing an extension in adjusted position thereto.

Among other aims and objects of the invention may be recited, the provision of a device of the character mentioned with a view to compactness, in which the number of parts is small, the construction simple, the cost of production small, of operation high.

All of the foregoing together with additional advantageous details and arrangement of parts of the preferred embodiment of my invention will be clear from the specific description hereinafter contained, when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming part thereof, wherein said embodiment of the inventionis illustrated for the purpose of facilitating a full understandingof the present improvements.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary detail inperspective showing the improved. extension clamp as applied to a ladder when set up upon an uneven surface a Fig. 2 is a horizontal section through the ladder, parts of being shown in section; and

the clamp 1 Fig. 3 1s a cross section through the Referring now more particularly tothe drawings, in connection with which like reference characters will vdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several Views, it is to be noted that I have shown Specification of Letters Patent. I

and efliciency the Patented Jan. 7, 1919.

Application filed April 24, 1917. Serial m5. 164,188.

the improved clamp as applied to one of the stiles of a ladder L for securing the extension leg E in adjusted position upon one of the stiles thereof. However, in this connection, it is to be understood that the scope of application of the clamp is not to be limited to this particular arrangement but may be varied, such as'conditions or preference may dictate. The improved clamp comprises. a yoke member 1 havingapertured laterally projecting lugs 2 formed adjacent the base thereof and upon its opposite end portion, the said apertures in the lugs 2 being screw threaded, the purpose of which will be subsequently apparent. Within the upper or top portion of the yoke 1,

preferably intermediate its ends, there is formed a screw threaded opening through which a hand adjusting screw 3 is passed, the said adjusting screw being provided with an angularly disposed portion serving as an eflicient handle therefor. Working within the yoke 1 is a bearing plate 4 having laterally extending guide lugs 5 formed upon the various corners thereof, which guide lugs serve as means for preventing lateral displacement of the bearing plate when the same is arranged between the end pieces of the yoke 1. Y

A securing-plate 6 having its opposite extremities apertured is also provided and is connected to the apertured lugs 2 of the said yoke 1 by means of thumb screws 7 passing therethrough into engagement with the screw threaded openings formedin' the said lugs 2.

In operation when it is desired to employ the improved clam as a means for securing the extension leg to one of the stiles of the ladder L, the yoke 1 is secured to the said stileby means of the securing plate 6 and the thumb screws 7, the latter of course being tightened to securely engage the plate 6 with the adjacent surface of the said stile. Then, the extension leg E is passed through yoke 1 and when inproper position is locked with relation thereto by turning thehand screw 3 into engagement with the bearing plate 4, thus, forcing the said bearing plate onto the adjacent surface of the said extension. leg and securing the'same to the ladder stile.

Manifestly, the. construction shown is capable of considerable modification and i such modification as is within the scope of my inventlon.

I claim:

A clamp of the character described including a closed substantially r yoke formed in a single ectangular piece having laterally extending lugs formed thereon adjacent one side, sa1d side forming an immovable the remaining side bearing and partition,

of the yoke having asorew threaded opening therein, a screw engaged in said screw threaded opening, a bearing plate having its end portions recessed loosely and slidably engaged with said yoke and adapted to be engaged intermediate its ends by the 15 screw, an apertured bar, and screws engaged with said apertured bar and the apertured laterally extending lugs for connecting the bar to said yoke.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature 11m hereto.

FRANK G. WATSON. 

